French Porcelain Design Watercolor, Fourmaintraux Manufactory, Desvres, Ca. 1900

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An original watercolor and ink design for a porcelain or faience vessel, attributed to the Fourmaintraux Manufactory, Desvres, Normandy, circa … Read more An original watercolor and ink design for a porcelain or faience vessel, attributed to the Fourmaintraux Manufactory, Desvres, Normandy, circa 1900. The drawing depicts an octagonal vase or cachepot form with alternating panels of floral sprays framed by ribboned medallions and blue-edged reserves enriched with gilt scrolls and festoons. Characteristic of turn-of-the-century French decorative art, the design harmonizes late Rococo exuberance with Art Nouveau stylization. The Fourmaintraux family of Desvres—active since the eighteenth century—was among France’s most prolific producers of faience and porcelain during the Belle Époque, known for vivid polychromy and inventive ornament. Drawings such as this were created in the factory’s dessin d’atelier to standardize motifs for decorators executing pieces for both domestic and export markets. The sheet retains the fresh translucence of watercolor over light pencil outlines, indicative of workshop practice around 1900. Mounted within a giltwood frame and blue moiré silk backing.

Provenance: Ursus Prints Ltd., 981 Madison Avenue, New York City.
Measurements: 15.75 in w x 13.875 in h (framed). See less